On Sunday, the Cowichan Tribes joined three other First Nations in their efforts to take control of their childrens’ education.
Back in 2006, the Federal Government passed legislation allowing individual Nations to create their own curriculums.
Unlike most forms of public education, First Nations education falls under Federal jurisdiction.
But, in 2014, legislation that would provide a framework for Indigenous education jurisdiction was voted down in Ottawa.
In October of last year, the province passed legislation giving each First Nation with a jurisdictional agreement the right to regulate and certify teachers.
Now, the Cowichan Tribes are joining the Lil’wat Nation, the ʔaq̓am of the Ktunaxa, and the Seabird Island Band in ratifying an agreement.
After Ottawa ratifies the agreement, the four will beginning working on curriculums and guidance.
More than a dozen other BC Nations are currently involved in discussions for their own agreement, and may join the discussions in the future.
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